| Author | Message | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 335 Registered: 4-2003 |
>>How many of you got a Ferrari when you decided to get rid of the bikes?<< Very perceptive, Art. My journey into Fcars started several years ago while riding my Bonneville around the neighborhood. A nitwit talking on a cellphone in a Suburban pulled out right in front of me. Forunately, I was doing my threat scanning and anticipated the moron. Thus, I was able to counter steer around her. I didn't even get anadrenaline rush, just another day in the neighborhood. It wasn't until later that I realized that I'm getting too old for this kind of stuff. Let's say that for a few seconds, I had been distracted. The result would have probably been a broken collarbone and a concussion (even though I wear a full-face helment). So I decided to get a vintage sports car to replace my motorcycles. My first choice was a 73 Porsche, which pushed all the right buttons, except the car didn't have AC. Now I don't know why the AC was a problem because the bikes certaintly don't have it, but it became enough of a problem that I had to move on. I was actually looking for a Daytona or a GTC when a friend of mine clued me in about how prices for Maranellos were falling like a rock. So after looking for a while, a deal came up at FOH that I couldn't resist. So is the Maranello the perfect motorcycle substitute? Not quite, but it is very close. That's what makes this fun. Dale | ||
| James Dunne (Audiguy)
Member Username: Audiguy Post Number: 272 Registered: 6-2003 |
Same here. Once when we were using the band start system, I was on the very outside next to the upright where the cord attached. I was watching the arm of the starter as he began to move the handle that released the bands and jumped a little too soon. The band snapped as I started forward and moved into it. It caught my clutch handle and jerked the bars to the right causing me to endo at the starting line. I was really glad that no one could see the red glow coming from my face through my helmet. The starter was lauaghing so hard he could not come out of the box. Like I said, I was the entertainment. How often do you see someone do a flying "W" on the starting line. Sure, a lot pop the clutch and wheelie it straight up out of control but to stand it on its front tire and then flip over takes real talent. Some of which I exhibited too often. | ||
| rob guess (Beast)
Member Username: Beast Post Number: 294 Registered: 5-2003 |
Art; LOL. Thats one way to get a good start. Once at a jet ski race my holder lost the grip and i moved into the bungie cord. When the started let go it wraped aroung my chin bar on my helmet and tried to take my head off!!! I ended up taking out 3 other riders and had to start le mans style on the restart. Rob | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Advanced Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2555 Registered: 6-2001 |
Problema at the start: when I first started racing, there was a club called the ACA (I think). Wes Cooley Sr. ran it, at Willow. I remember learning to leave a little early, and about my second, third race there, I was on the 4th row. I left so early, that the flag hit me. got penalized a lap for that little stunt. Art | ||
| rob guess (Beast)
Member Username: Beast Post Number: 292 Registered: 5-2003 |
James; Well i felt that i did all right also. Unfortunatly the head of Team Green and my friend that came out to race also felt a little different about it. Oh well there loss not mine. Are you going out to the USGP at the end of this month??? It would be cool to trade war stories. Rob | ||
| James Dunne (Audiguy)
Member Username: Audiguy Post Number: 271 Registered: 6-2003 |
Sounds like you did okay to me. Like you said, "you really liked riding at Lake Whitney". | ||
| rob guess (Beast)
Member Username: Beast Post Number: 291 Registered: 5-2003 |
James; Damm officials dont they know you got to race!!! I had the same thing happen to myself at an arenacross when i made an off color joke. The promoter did not care for it and made me start backwards on the gate all night long. I told him "Good i could use a challenge for once!!!". The only bad finish i had was in the dash for cash when the rider next to me got hung up in the gate and i hit him in the head with my front tire, when i did the pop and pivot move. The last time i raced at whitney i did not do so well. I hooked up with the new PR lady at Kawasaki and partied with her all night long!!! Rob | ||
| James Dunne (Audiguy)
Member Username: Audiguy Post Number: 270 Registered: 6-2003 |
Rob, I rode Lake Whitney once when Kent Howertons mom thought he had been scored wrong and came to the scoring booth and raised absolute h e l l. That poor counter that missed Kent one lap caught her wrath full force. I really felt sorry for him. It was the same race that Pierre Karsmakers came over and decided to ride the American circuit. Up to that point, all the US riders seemed to ride as gentlemen. He managed to kick Jimmy down after coming up out of the ravine along the fence. Took out Gary Jones by block passing into his front wheel and throwing him over the bars. He made no friends with any of us. No one felt sorry for him when a back marker caused him to fall while leading. I got penalized at Whitney for speeding in the pits. I was on my way to the line and snapped a clutch cable. I turned around, got back to the pit area and my mechanic had another one on in about a minute. By the time I was headed back up, the starter turned the board sideways. I could see what he was doing and still had to clear a few cars to get to the line before it dropped. I hit the throttle and an AMA official stepped out and waved me to stop. I had to sit there and wait until the bikes were all going around turn one before he let me enter the starting area. Needless to say, I did not do very well that heat. I think I finished about 23rd. This is when we were running two heats of 45 minutes plus two laps each. It would wear you out. | ||
| rob guess (Beast)
Member Username: Beast Post Number: 290 Registered: 5-2003 |
James; Just ask my students and they will tell you that i am older than old, of course i think that they apply that term to anyone over 25.. i agree that you rode with a lot of the early pioneers of the sport here. I have raced with the likes of Ward, Lechien, Omara, Hannah, Emig, Johnson ..... Oh well all of this talk about the good old days is giving me the itch to ditch my college classes tonight and go out and get dirty. Rob | ||
| James Dunne (Audiguy)
Member Username: Audiguy Post Number: 269 Registered: 6-2003 |
Rob, You are not old and decrepid. I am old and decrepid. I rode from 1972-74. Put on a few MX schools with Wymon Priddy when he was the head rider out of the central region. I was riding when Jimmy Weinert was the #1 Team Green rider. I was actually at Lake Whitney when Tony Distefano was still a privateer riding a CZ. Marty Tripes was also a privateer riding a ragged out 250 Elsinor before he got factory help. Gary Jones was US #1 on a Honda, Jim Pomeroy won the Spanish GP on a Bultaco, Torsten Halman was riding Maico, I believe. John DeSoto was at the end of his career with Suzuki and Rich Thorwaldson was a Suzuki US factory rider. Lots of good times. Yes, Lake Whitney was a fun track to ride....... | ||
| rob guess (Beast)
Member Username: Beast Post Number: 287 Registered: 5-2003 |
James; make that an old and decrepit Motocrosser.. What years did you ride for the big K??? I also went for the entertainment factor. Like showing up at an arenacross wearing all red gear and 8" devil horns on my helmet while they played Iron Madens "Number of the Beast". If i had a change to do it again i would too bad my knees and ankles are shot.. Rob | ||
| G.Peters (Wfo_racer)
Junior Member Username: Wfo_racer Post Number: 198 Registered: 5-2002 |
Still love to drag a puck through the corners for me, Canyon bike- 954RR near new gotta ride it more Speed bike- Turbo charged Hayabusa 232hp Old race bike- Yamaha 250 TZ- too fat to ride now | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Advanced Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2553 Registered: 6-2001 |
I'VE ONLY GOT 3 LEFT. ART | ||
| James Dunne (Audiguy)
Member Username: Audiguy Post Number: 268 Registered: 6-2003 |
Rob, You have to remember, you are an old MX'er. I know. I was one too. I was the entertainment for the event. The one everyone got to use for a berm at one time or another. Never did like street bikes. Even the one Kawasaki gave me after I quit riding for them. I would take a dirt bike anytime. | ||
| rob guess (Beast)
Member Username: Beast Post Number: 284 Registered: 5-2003 |
Dale; I am not knocking the KTM the main point that i do not care for is the weight. I myself prefer a lighter weight bike to go out tossing around the street or dirt. I guess it all boils down to personal preferences, for myself i think i would be more inclined to dueel sporting a motocross bike. rob | ||
| Adam (Fasttalk)
Junior Member Username: Fasttalk Post Number: 153 Registered: 8-2002 |
Art, I could not bring myself to get rid of the bikes, I still own 5 motorcycles. Adam | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Advanced Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2547 Registered: 6-2001 |
How many of you got a Ferrari when you decided to get rid of the bikes? Allen Satterley is the guy who has won a few championships. His wins were in the Harley series, and I think it won that National class twice, but I may be wrong. An abosolutely great rider. Art | ||
| Adam (Fasttalk)
Junior Member Username: Fasttalk Post Number: 152 Registered: 8-2002 |
Dale. I agree with your choice of the KTM, the Sportsters are a long way from what they "Should" and "Used" to be. I sold my VROD a few months ago, I was very impressed, it is worth a second look, but a little pricey. Adam | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 329 Registered: 4-2003 |
Rob, don't know if you have seen the new KTM 950. It's a street legal bike that is almost a Super Mono. I'm betting that it is a hoot to ride. (Imagine a 916 Dakar bike.) Wax, the big sport bikes are great, but like Stevie Ray used to sing, "Thangs that I used to do, I don't do no mo." There is just no margin for error at triple-digit speeds. Indeed, the most fun is ripping from 35 to 75. Going in slow and coming out hot is a lot more fun than going in full blast only to discover rocks, bicycles, trains, boats and plane on the other side of a blind corner. thx | ||
| rob guess (Beast)
Member Username: Beast Post Number: 283 Registered: 5-2003 |
Dale; With the dirt still flowing through your veins for a dual sport i would go with the KTM if you dont want to have to do any changes. I dont know what Texas law is concerning Pure dirt bikes to dual sport but here in AZ we can make a dirt bike street legal with just a few changes. If you can do that i would look at a Honda CRF450 or Yamaha YZ450F to convert since they will be much lighter than the KTM Rob AMA Pro motocross 1988 #666 NM open pro class champ 1987,1988 | ||
| Thomas I (Wax)
Junior Member Username: Wax Post Number: 226 Registered: 7-2003 |
Having seen a limited assortment of KTM 950 "Adventure" and "Duke" photos, reviews and specs, http://www.mcnews.com.au/Testing/KTM/2003_KTM_950_Adventure/Page3.htm may I point you towards the Suzuki GSX-R 1000? http://www.suzuki-bikes.com/gsxr1000.php My employer, an extremely picky man, has a 2001 model - one of many, many bikes he's had over the years. Describes it as the greatest bike he's ever owned, and he's had some good ones. Says the new models are even better. He's not the only one, as the GSX-R 1000 is widely praised (yet is half the price of the KTM - though money is no object). He rides short distances as well as Interstate when touring, and comfortably so. | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 326 Registered: 4-2003 |
Adam, if I do anything it will probably be to get the new KTM 950. This is my kinda bike. However, I may wait a while until they get the bugs out. The new sporty is interesting. I have bitched about the Motor Company for years for not addressing the vibration problem on this bike. Know that HD has FINALLY done something positive, I might just have to belly up to the bar. Remember, the Sportster and the Bonneville were the original sport bikes back in the day. The Electa Glide was for fat old men. Finally, I have always thought that Guzzis were flat out weird. But, according to my buddy (who is a major car and bike freak, e.g., he is thinking about buying a Porsche 907 race car), it's a new day in Guzzi land. Who knows, maybe they will even make a transmission that works? So for these reasons, I'll probably go with the KTM. Now that I'm a fat old man, one thing that I have given up is playing boy racer with motorcycles. So instead of scaring myself, I just wanna have fun. thx | ||
| G.Peters (Wfo_racer)
Junior Member Username: Wfo_racer Post Number: 195 Registered: 5-2002 |
Art, How was Fontana ? We ended up dove hunting , hotter than hell. We limited out early but at 5 in the morning it was 90 degrees . Hope Fontana was cooler. | ||
| Adam (Fasttalk)
Junior Member Username: Fasttalk Post Number: 151 Registered: 8-2002 |
Dale, My 2c Moto Guzzi-nice bike, pretty good value, but I dont think you should buy it because your friend says it will be the next best thing, buy it because you love it, or pick another. HD - A stock sporty will drive you nuts, you will have to do some serious tweaking to get it to the way it is supposed to respond, have you considered a V-rod or a soft tail? KTM - Great all around bike, good value, a lot of fun to ride in many different conditions, but not as cool as the HD What type of riding experience are you looking for? Adam | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 322 Registered: 4-2003 |
>>Dale: When they had the Harley Series, I forget the name of the series, but this guy won it a few times. First name is Allan.<< Art, I raced bikes when I was in high school during the late 60s. Nothing special. In 1970, two things happened. First, I won the lottery with a high draft number. Second, I started school at Florida State where the saying was, "Don't go greek. Go freak cause its a better rush." Long story short, I don't remember much about the 70s other than getter higher than a kite, hippy chicks, skinny dipping, bass fishing, and listening to the Allman Brothers. During the 80s, I came down and became a family man. Thus, sad to say, I lost touch. So, I don't have a clue who your Allen guy is, but I'd love to know. Dale | ||
| James Dunne (Audiguy)
Member Username: Audiguy Post Number: 263 Registered: 6-2003 |
Were you riding before or after Malcolm Smith??? I remember he won Baja as well as the 7 Days trials at Escorial. | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Advanced Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2532 Registered: 6-2001 |
James: One of my lunatic friends is a guy by the name of Bohannan. We won the Baja a couple of times. He's 71, 72 now. Goes up to Coos Bay Oregon to ride. This is the story he tells me: runs into these "old" guys, the oldest is 91! Their riding their bikes in the same place, these guys end up racing with them. The 91 year is flying! Still racing and ready for the geratics ward. hhahahah. Youre only as old as you think you are. Art | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Advanced Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2531 Registered: 6-2001 |
Dale: When they had the Harley Series, I forget the name of the series, but this guy won it a few times. First name is Allan. Art | ||
| James Dunne (Audiguy)
Member Username: Audiguy Post Number: 262 Registered: 6-2003 |
Art, Sometimes I think I could get back out on the MX track and show some of the new riders something but then my body reminds me of the reality of age. When we gave MX schools you could see the riders who thought they knew everything and found out quickly that the amount of knowledge they had was just enough to get them in trouble--BIGTIME. I remember KR and his signature wheelieing past the checkered with one hand up waving to the people. I did not ride road racing but respected greatly the guys who did. Bugsy, Dave Aldana, Mert Lawill, Jim Rice, Yvonne (sp?)Duhammel and the rest. Loved to watch the 1/2 mile and mile dirt tracks also. I rode for Kawasaki Central region in the early to mid 70's. When were you riding. It sounds about like the same time. This subject I can agree with you on.......Thank God ;) | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 312 Registered: 4-2003 |
Art, come on gimme a hint! Are you talking about a grand national champion, like in the old days, or the more recent verison of being a champ. Thanks. | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 311 Registered: 4-2003 |
Art, thanks for the quick feedback. Yes, I still remember... I saw Richard i.e., Di_ck Mann race at a meaningless dirt track rack in Illinois many, many, many years ago. (I actually went to high school in Urbana, Ill. Right in the heart of dirt track country.) He is the ultimate pro. It's kinda hard to compare him with the current pros, not to mention the F1 types. My guess is that Di_ck Mann is more like Enzo than Michael. And yes, the new Sportster does tug at the heartstrings. The only problem with the Bonneville is that, well, the, uh, fanny exam gets old after a while. The Brits never figured out how to split a crankshaft... Actually, I figured that migrating to sports cars was the wise and sane thing for this old man to do. (While my wife agrees with getting rid of the motorcycles, she still doesn't understand the logic of high dollar sports cars.) Thus, I don't get the bitching and gripping about Fcars that a lot of the folks on this list engage in. Hell, you got a roof. You got AC. You got brakes. You don't fall down. What more could a poor boy want? But, I still need a bike. After a brief time on sport bikes, I decided that I better cut that crap out. Hell, give me fat tires and a right grip that won't quit, even I start thinking that I could beat KR, which is the end of the beginning... However, I'd love to have bike just to go crusing on, not to work on, not to impress anybody. I just wanna ride my motorsickle, like the man said. So, who knows? Maybe after 37 years, I'll buy another Harley. (My first was a HD-Aermacchi. Guess that this is where the Italian blood lust comes from.) However, my Buddy swears that the new Guzzies are gonna be somethang else... Ah, the joy of being an old fart with just a little bit of money... Thanks, Dale ps Robert, I'm proud of you. Most young warriors don't have a clue who KR is. You want to talk a a man possessed with the need to win. I always wonder what he could have done in F1... | ||
| Mike B (Srt_mike)
Member Username: Srt_mike Post Number: 329 Registered: 12-2002 |
Art, You gotta be one of the coolest guys on this board  I am amazed at some of your stories! I LOVE going riding with the older guys who know how to ride. We have a guy in our group who rides a CBR954RR... and he's 74 years old! The guy can still pop a wheelie when he's feeling spunky - I hope to hell I'm still that full of life at 74! | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Advanced Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2530 Registered: 6-2001 |
Dale; by the way, I still weigh exactly what I weighed when racing (185#), my vision is less than it was, but I can still deal with the average kid that I run into on the road, it's just a little harder now than it was 25 years ago. By the way: •••• Mann, after his throat cancer, is still riding, and still wining at 66 years old. There is another poster on this board, who I won't name, who is also a National Champion in motorcycles. I'll give a hint, he owns a Mondial, and is looking for a 355. Art | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Advanced Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2529 Registered: 6-2001 |
Dale: McQueen didn't to my knowledge ride a Harley, but don't let that stop you. Eric Buel (who I never beat, well maybe once or twice) is building a great bike, I'd go with him. The new 1200 just got road tested in one of the magazines, and they loved it. Don't put the Bonnie in storage. It's made to be used. CLean it up, spend 500 - 1000 to make it fresh, ride it with the old guys on their sunday morning ride when they all try to relive their past. If you park it, some ahole will just restore it, never ride it, and tell everyone how great it was. I've got a 74 Bonnie (I use it to find young kids, suck them into a little ride, and try to embarass them (its been highly modified, and the rider, while not longer a kid, has a little talent left). Art | ||
| Robert McNair (Rrm)
Member Username: Rrm Post Number: 644 Registered: 5-2002 |
Wait a minute, Art beat 'The King' Kenny Roberts in a race!? | ||
| Dale W Spradling (Drtax)
Member Username: Drtax Post Number: 310 Registered: 4-2003 |
Okay, FChatters, fair warning, if you are not into motorcycles, just move on down the line... Art, I need a new drug... But first, let me confess that I'm an old motorcycle guy through and through. I rode motorcycles for about 2 years before I ever drove a car (long story). So like a duck and its Momma, I can't help myself. Second, while I don't agree with your politics, anybody, and I mean anybody who has ever beaten Kenny Roberts in any kind of a race get major kudos in my book. I just have to assume that living on the left coast, well... you just can't help yourself, ha! Given all this, I'd like to ask your advice... I am in the process of cleaning house, i.e., the 70 Bonneville goes into long-term storage, everything else goes. So, this is gonna leave a hole in my soul. So, what do you recommend? 1. The new KTM 950? I'm an old dirt bike guy (scrambles and circle track before there was motocross) 2. The new Guzzis? A trusted friend of mine sez that these bikes will be the second coming... 3. And, believe it of not, a rubber-mounted Sportster? I have been saying for years that if the Motor Company ever got real that I'd buy one. (Can't believe I just said that... I still remember the day... Sportsters v. Bonnevilles... Remember, the song had it wrong. It was the Vette that bit the dust at Dead Man's Curve, not the Jag. Pax Britannia! After all, Steve McGueen didn't ride a Harley!) So, what are your thoughts? HD Moto Guzzi KTM Thanks in advance, Dale |